From the Galaxy S to the S6: 5 years of innovation from Samsung

The Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge, officially launching on April 10, are the latest in a range that has been setting new benchmarks for high-end smartphones each spring since 2010.

The Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge, officially launching on April 10, are the latest in a range that has been setting new benchmarks for high-end smartphones each spring since 2010.

Samsung Galaxy S

Launched in Asia in June 2010 and worldwide over the following months, the Galaxy S was clearly positioned as a rival to the iPhone 4, boasting a more powerful processor and a 4-inch SuperAMOLED display. Samsung's high-end smartphone debuted with Android 2.1 (Eclair) and was later updated to 2.2 (Froyo).

Samsung Galaxy S2

Revealed at MWC in Barcelona in February 2011, the Galaxy S2 was rolled out worldwide over the course of the following spring and quickly became a commercial success. The model stood out for its dual-core processor and its dual camera, including an 8MP rear camera with autofocus and 1080p HD video recording.

Samsung Galaxy S3

It was May 2012 when the Galaxy S3 stepped in to replace its popular predecessor. The third model in the range had an even larger screen (4.8 inches) with HD resolution (1280 x 720 pixels), a smart vocal assistant (S Voice) and Android Jelly Bean. The first Galaxy phone to be offered as 4G-ready in select markets, the S3 was also the first to debut alongside a smaller, lower-spec version, the Galaxy S3 Mini.

Samsung Galaxy S4

Launched in April 2013, the Samsung Galaxy S4 was 4G-ready and boasted a range of other improved specs, including a five-inch screen, an octa-core processor and a 13MP camera. The device also stood out for its ability to respond not only to a finger or stylus but also to eye movements, for example by pausing a video when the user looks away.

Samsung Galaxy S5

Premiered at last year's MWC, the fifth-generation Galaxy phone went on sale in April 2014. The 5.1-inch smartphone (1920x1080 pixels) stands out from its predecessors primarily through its fingerprint reader and virtually instantaneous autofocus. Compatible with the South Korean brand's first smartwatches, the S5 comes with Android KitKat.

Samsung Galaxy S6

Once again in March of this year, the brand chose to unveil its latest flagship at MWC in Barcelona. The Galaxy S6 is said to be more robust than previous models thanks to its metal shell, but there is no longer a removable battery or microSD card slot. For its part, the S6 Edge has a display that curves around the right and left sides, making it the first smartphone of its kind.